Driving Spirit » Tuners

207bhp Abarth 500, Thanks To G-Tech

Chris — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:17:43 +0000

In standard form the Abarth 500 dishes out 135bhp from its turbocharged 1.4-litre engine, but with a bit of work from the engineers at G-Tech the little Abarth is now capable of 207bhp.

G-Tech are calling this the RS-S, and the complete package includes Garrett loaders, larger fuel injectors, new spark plugs and a modified cat back exhaust system.

As well as the increase in power there’s also more torque, up to 310Nm. With all of that extra grunt the 0-62 mph sprint is covered in just 6.9 seconds, while top speed is increased to 141mph – although the top speed is electronically limited ‘due to safety reasons’.

G-Tech are also offering a new coilover suspension setup, as well as the green body highlights and 17-inch alloys. The car pictured would set you back over £24k, but you can take your own Abarth 500 and pick and choose from the range of upgrades.

207bhp Abarth 500, Thanks To G-Tech is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

Revozport Volkswagen Golf Razor R

Chris — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:10:50 +0000

There’s no denying that the Volkswagen Golf R is a fantastic performer, with plenty of grunt courtesy of its 270bhp engine and more than enough grip thanks to its clever all-wheel-drive system. But one thing it lacks is flair – park it next to a Focus RS and the Golf R looks like a plain Jane in comparison.

Personally I quite like the Golf’s understated appearance, but there are some Golf R owners who are craving a more aggressive look. That’s the market that modders Revozport have decided to cater for with a new styling package that adds a little more attitude to the Golf R’s appearance.

The bonnet is made from carbon kevlar and features a built-in vent, while all other pieces are made from carbon fibre. The full list of parts includes the bonnet, front splitter, side skirt, rear bumper, rear diffuser, roof spoiler, and a front grill with Razor R badging. The total package is priced up at $3586 and is available to order from revozport.com.

Revozport Volkswagen Golf Razor R is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

Steinmetz Mods For New Astra

Chris — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 05:59:19 +0000

Steinmetz recently unveiled their latest batch of goodies for the new shape Vauxhall Astra. The package includes aerodynamic components, lowered suspension, and some stylish new alloys.

The body kit consists of a front spoiler, a black front grille and a new roof spoiler at the rear. Along the sides Steinmetz are offering designer strips in silver or anthracite and you can even get the door handles plated in polished stainless steel.

The Astra’s ride height is lowered by 30mm with the modified Steinmetz setup, which has been designed to work with the Astra’s new FlexRide System and the Watts linkage fitted to the rear axle.

Steinmetz have also unveiled their latest alloy wheel design. The ST10 wheels are available in 8.5×19-inch and are wrapped in 235/35/R19 Continental or Michelin tyres, as recommended by Steinmetz for maximum performance. The rims themselves are a black and silver design that feature two dishes between the five spokes. As well as the new ST10′s, Steinmetz will also fit their existing ST7 design to the Astra.

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Steinmetz Mods For New Astra is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

Mountune Focus RS MP350 Review On Fifth Gear

Chris — Sat, 29 May 2010 05:53:21 +0000

With all of the fuss over the recent Ford Focus RS500 and the fact that all 101 UK cars were snapped up before going on sale, you can’t blame tuning company Mountune from taking every opportunity to publicise their own spiced-up Focus RS.

They’ve let Fifth Gear have a go in their Focus RS MP350, with Vicki Butler-H behind the wheel. She’s clearly a fan of the super Ford, which is 45bhp more powerful and half a second quicker to 60mph than the standard RS. The only downside seems to be a bit of extra torque steer, but don’t forget that there’s 345bhp going through those front wheels.

Sit down and let Vicki take you for a ride around Millbrook.

Mountune Focus RS MP350 Review On Fifth Gear is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

Irmscher Astra i1600

Chris — Wed, 26 May 2010 05:05:39 +0000

Vauxhall/Opel tuner Irmscher have unveiled their first attempt at tuning the latest Astra. The Irmscher Astra i1600 is based on the most powerful version of the Astra, the 180bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre, and after some work by Irmscher’s engineers it is now capable of 200bhp. As well as the extra 20bhp Irmscher have found another 65Nm of torque, taking the total to 295Nm (or 217.6 lb-ft).

Irmscher have also developed a new sports suspension that lowers the car’s ride height by 30mm. You then have the choice of “Star Turbo” or “Turbo Star Exclusive” alloys, available in 18 or 20-inch diameter, which help give the Astra a bit more attitude.

Other cosmetic changes include a front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser that houses quad tail pipes, a roof spoiler, and a new front grille finished in carbon effect. The final touch is a set of Irmscher side stripes and thick bonnet stripes.

On the inside, the Astra packs a set of Irmscher sports seats, and features new door panels and center armrests that are covered in premium leather and finished in a matching color.

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Irmscher Astra i1600 is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

Nowack Offers Tuning Choices For Mini Cooper S

Chris — Tue, 25 May 2010 05:36:50 +0000

Nowack, a tuning company based in Germany, are offering three tuning packages for the Mini Cooper S.

The first package, the N210, involves an ECU remap and freer flowing air filter to push the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine up from 184bhp to 208bhp. The second level, N230, takes that a step further by fitting a new sports exhaust to push power up to 228bhp.

The final upgrade, N260, is more extensive in its changes. The conversion includes Nowack’s own high performance sport camshafts, a Nowack downpipe, a completely prepared flow optimised cylinderhead, a stainless steel sport exhaust system, and modifications to the intercooling system and intake air flow, as well as the re-programmed ECU. The final result is an impressive 257bhp from the 1.6-litre engine, and Nowack stress that the extra power is delivered in a smooth and linear fashion.

Lowering springs are available, as well as a replacement coilover suspension. Nowack also offer some cosmetic upgrades, including 18-inch alloy wheels and new leather interior.

Check out the Nowack Motors website for more information.

Nowack Offers Tuning Choices For Mini Cooper S is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

Ford Focus RS MP350 By Mountune

Chris — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 05:52:30 +0000

Did you buy a Ford Focus RS only to find out that Ford had an even more powerful RS500 version waiting in the wings? Then maybe you should have a chat with the guys at Mountune Performance as they may be able to brighten up your day with a Ford-approved upgrade.

SPECIFICATIONS
Engine:	5-cylinder 2.5 litre
Max Power:	350 PS
Max Torque:	460 Nm
Top Speed:	165mph
0-60mph:	5.4 seconds
0-100mph:	12.2 seconds
0-150mph:	35.0 seconds
1/4 mile:	13.9 sec @ 108 mph

Boosting power output to 350PS and 460Nm of torque, the MP350 package is available directly from Mountune Performance or through one of their specially selected network of Ford dealers. While other tuners have managed to achieve similar power levels from the Focus RS, the MP350 package has the benefit of being the only Ford-approved upgrade and the only one which does not invalidate the standard Ford warranty.

The MP350 package includes engine modifications that are similar to those used on the new Focus RS500 model and and the MP350 has been subjected to a similar testing regime as the RS500, including ten consecutive laps around the Nurburgring at race pace. Check out the press release below for more info on the mods and package.

The Mountune MP350 package for the Focus RS will be available from May, but pre-orders are being taken now. A £200 deposit guarantees a fitting slot but with demand so high, the sooner a pre-order is made, the sooner the upgrade can be installed.

Press Release

Owners and buyers of the current generation Ford Focus RS 305PS superhatch can now access a Ford-approved performance upgrade package that boosts peak output to 350PS and 460Nm of torque.

The MP350 package is available from Mountune Performance directly and also via a specially selected network of Mountune-approved Ford dealers, initially in the UK, with a European roll-out planned to follow.

This is the only Ford-approved upgrade for the Focus RS and also the only aftermarket package available which does not invalidate the standard Ford warranty.

The engine modifications it provides are similar to those developed for Ford of Europe’s exclusive new limited edition Focus RS500 model and were developed by Mountune’s performance specialists in partnership with Ford’s Team RS powertrain engineers.

“Mountune Performance has worked very closely with Ford TeamRS to develop this approved upgrade package, and we’re delighted to be able to meet the demand we know exists among existing Focus RS customers,” said John Mitchell MD of Revolve Technologies – parent company to the Mountune Performance brand.

The MP350 story begins…

Having already produced numerous highly acclaimed Ford-approved performance upgrades in the UK for the Fiesta and Focus ST, and latterly the new Fiesta, Mountune’s interest in the Focus RS was both a natural and obvious progression.

Development of the upgrade package identified key areas for enhancement early into the program. Mountune’s own stringent testing included road mileage accumulation stretching into the tens of thousands, and the now standardised Nürburgring Nordschliefe Sign-Off; including numerous punishing laps at full race-pace!

As the project was combined with that of Ford’s own RS500, an additional and vigorous testing plan was subsequently implemented. This partnership utilised Ford’s Dunton Technical centre to push the conversion package to its limits under conditions replicated from around the world in its Environmental Test Laboratory, ensuring the Mountune Performance MP350 conversion is the most proven, and robust on the market today.

“Offering the performance enhancement kit alongside Ford’s special edition Focus RS500 gives existing Focus RS owners a highly attractive upgrade, offering many compelling and unique selling points,” Mitchell added.

The Kit:

The Mountune Performance MP350 conversion consists of five key components, all necessary to provide a genuine 350PS, 460Nm output.

A bespoke intercooler was designed to significantly reduce charge temperatures whilst maintaining the air-flow efficiency of the original system; this was subsequently packaged by Team RS and Mountune’s own engineers. Final manufacturing fell to Pro Alloy – a name famous for the highest quality aluminium fabrication, a quick glance reveals it’s an obvious case of aftermarket meets original equipment.

Allowing the engine to breathe more efficiently was paramount to the upgrade package. A high-flow exhaust downpipe takes care of this job post-turbo, whilst a re-designed airbox ensures the inlet is unrestricted under all conditions. The revised Mountune design provides around 60% more volume whilst retaining the standard air filter element – in turn ensuring that servicing procedures remain as per the standard car.

Unique to the Mountune package is also an uprated fuel delivery module. The standard FDM and injectors were originally designed for the 305PS base car. Raising the power output to 350PS required significant flow and pressure increases to maintain the same safe limits as found in the original Focus RS. Establishing these flow and pressure requirements for this target power output, whilst maintaining these limits allowed Mountune to design an uprated item that also reduced the injector duty-cycle.
Changing the injectors alone was not a practical or safe way of dealing with the increased fuel system demands as the required fuel flow and pressure is not possible with just an injector change.

Finally, and critically, there is the calibration. Working alongside Ford’s TeamRS powertrain specialists allowed Mountune to access the car’s ECU in its entirety, and also meant that the development team could benefit from the base cars’ calibration team knowledge.
The Mountune Performance MP350 calibration for the Ford Focus RS is the only one able to be applied through the On-Board Diagnostic port using Ford’s ETIS system.

The MP350 story continues…

From April 9th, customers throughout the UK will be able to pre-order their kits through Mountune directly, and also through seven selected Ford dealerships.

As with previous Mountune Performance products, it’s anticipated that the Association of British Insurers (ABI) will recognise the upgrade, giving enthusiasts opting for the official route access to cheaper car insurance – something available immediately to all who use Greenlight as their insurer, who won’t charge anything extra to add the upgrade.

“We’ve aimed to deliver the upgrade that all Focus RS enthusiasts have been waiting for, whilst retaining the manufacturers’ warranty, and benefiting from the numerous other perks that come with Mountune Performance conversion ownership”, said Mitchell. “The team has done a fantastic job in creating a conversion that lifts the already impressive base car into new realms of performance and excitement.”

Mountune Dealer network:

The Mountune Performance MP350 conversion is initially available from Mountune directly, and from seven specially selected Ford dealerships from throughout the UK:

• Archers of Ashby, Leicestershire
• Birchwood Ford, East Sussex
• David Harrison, Selkirkshire
• Kempster Ford, Lancashire
• Kernahan of Witney, Oxfordshire
• Ocean Ford, Isle of Mann
• Sky Ford, Hertfordshire

This specialist network will be subject to periodic revision, expanding with the addition of Mountune Performance European dealerships during 2010.

Ford Focus RS MP350 By Mountune is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

Volkswagen Polo By JE Design

Chris — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:48:46 +0000

Popular with little old ladies and mums on the school run, the Volkswagen Polo is not a car that naturally lends itself to wild tuning. But that hasn’t stopped JE Design from coming up with a new bodykit and distinctive paintjob for the latest Polo.

It’s a full bodykit consisting of front bumper and spoiler, side skirts and a rear bumper with carbon-effect diffuser. Headlight brows give the front a more aggressive look that is finished off nicely with LED running lights. There’s also an optional centrally mounted sports exhaust with twin pipes that gives a better sound.

A set of lowering springs can be fitted around the standard shock absorbers to drop the ride height by 35mm, or you could go further with a new KW coilover suspension setup that lowers the Polo by 65mm.

No bodykit would be complete without a new set of wheels and JE Design have got some choices. Their new ‘Multispoke’ design is available in either 7×17 inches or 7.5×18 inches with tyres measuring 215/40 R17 or 215/35 R18. There’s also a choice of finishes – Shadow Silver or matt black with a silver bead around the rim. If that’s not enough the wheels can be trimmed with a bead in the same colour as the car.

If there’s still money left over you can choose to deck out the interior in various shades of leather or suede. The steering wheel, gear stick and handbrake are covered along with the seats, and even the colour of the stitching can be specified. The seats can also be fitted with new heating elements or a massage system.

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Volkswagen Polo By JE Design is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

APS Sportec Tweak Golf R To 300BHP

Chris — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:59:47 +0000

APS, the UK branch of Swiss tuning company Sportec, have been analyzing the ECU on the Volkswagen Golf R and have managed to liberate an extra 33bhp. This gives the Golf R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine a grand total of 300bhp at 6,000rpm and 321lb.ft of torque at 2,750rpm (up 63lb.ft).

This knocks the Golf R’s 0-62mph time down to 5.3 seconds (from 5.7) and the top speed increases to 160mph.

Priced at just £649 (including fitting), the ECU upgrade is suitable for both the six-speed manual and the DSG transmission.

APS Sportec Tweak Golf R To 300BHP is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?

Peugeot 207 GTI Gets Superchipped

Chris — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:09:08 +0000

Peugeot may have given up on their GTI models but that hasn’t stopped Superchips having a go at the Peugeot 207 GTI.

The Superchips ECU remap is claimed to increase output from the the 207 GTi’s 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine by 12bhp, up from 178bhp to 190bhp. While the top-end gains might not seem that significant the mid-range power is much improved with an extra 25bhp. Torque is also increased from 258Nm (188lb.ft) to 306Nm (223lb.ft,) between 2000rpm to 4000rpm.

The new ECU upgrade is available for all MY2007 onwards 207 GTis and can be installed by visiting one of approximately 100 Superchips dealerships in the UK. It will set you back £391.00 (including VAT) and your car is covered by a 12 month, 30,000 mile warranty.

Peugeot 207 GTI Gets Superchipped is a post from Driving Spirit. Are you ready for the release of Gran Turismo 5 on November 2nd?